Meat Loaf with Gravy

Meat loaf rarely gets points for good looks, but it sure can be delicious! Use beef, veal and pork, a trio that yields an especially flavorful loaf that is also easy to slice.

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   1. Preheat an oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a small roasting pan. (Gas Mark 4)
   
   2. In a large bowl, combine the onion, bread crumbs, the 1/2 cup ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce. 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the meats and mix with your hands just until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into a thick loaf about 9 inches long.
   
   3. Bake the meat loaf for 45 minutes. Spread the top of the meat loaf with the remaining 3 tablespoons ketchup and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the enter registers 165°F, about 15 minutes longer. Remove from the oven and let stand in the pan for 5 minutes. Using a large, wide spatula, transfer the meat loaf to a platter and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm
   
   4. Pour the fat out of the roasting pan. Measure 2 tablespoons fat, adding butter as needed to supplement it, and return the fat to the pan. Heat the roasting pan over medium heat until the butter melts. Whisk in the flour and let bubble for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking frequently, until a lightly thickened gravy forms, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Strain through a sieve into a warmed sauce boat. Slice the meat loaf and serve hot, passing the gravy on the side